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Period: 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE
The Late Bronze Age
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1500 BCE
First palaces are constructed at Mycenae
The palaces were important centers in the Mycenaean economy. Their introduction shows a new level of complexity in the political organization of Mycenean kings . -
1200 BCE
The Mycenaean palaces are destroyed
In Myceneans palaces everything was written in Linear B. After this point in history writing seems to disappear until c.700 BCE where we find a resurgence in Greek literacy through Alphabetic symbolization. -
Period: 1200 BCE to 800 BCE
Iron (or Dark) Age
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950 BCE
First settlement on site of Sparta
On the west bank of the river Eurotas. The area becomes four villages: Pitana, Mesoa, Limnai and Kynosure which will adjoin at some point to make-up Sparta. -
Period: 800 BCE to 479 BCE
Archaic Period
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776 BCE
The first Olympic games
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734 BCE
The foundation of the city of Syracuse
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680 BCE
Gyges becomes King of Lydia, founding Mermnad Dynasty
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660 BCE
The Messenian rebellion
The helot rebellion comes at a time where Sparta is also facing major external threats such as the defeat suffered to the Argos at Hysiai in c.669 BCE. This will be an ongoing struggle between the Spartans and their slaves. -
650 BCE
The Dreros Law
Inscribed in stone, it is the earliest know Greek law. It was discovered in an ancient settlement on the island of Crete. -
610 BCE
The neo-Assyrian empire is overthrown
Results from a combination of Babylon rebellion and the Medes. The collapse results in the Medes expanding into Anatolia and Iran, while the Babylonians struggle with Egypt in the south-west. -
594 BCE
The appointment of Solon to resolve the Athenian economic crisis
Subdues the threat of civil war in Athens temporarily in a time of crisis. However his efforts would not be enough to maintain stability. -
559 BCE
Cyrus becomes king of Persia
By 550, Cyrus defeats the Medes. This begins a major Persian conquest. -
546 BCE
Lydia conquered by Persians
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546 BCE
Pisistratus becomes tyrant of Athens
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546 BCE
Pisistratus' second coup to become Tyrant of Athens
After failing in 561 BCE, Pisistratus makes another attempt with the support of mercenaries to become the sole ruler. He succeeds until his death in 527 BCE. He maintains Solon's constitution while developing public programs, buildings and festivals. -
539 BCE
Babylon falls to Persians
After conquering Lydia, the Persians defeat their Babylonian allies. This completes a major transformation in Persian territory and kingdom. -
514 BCE
Hipparchus is murdered by Harmodius and Aristogeneiton
This is one event in a chain of chaos following the death of Pisistratus. Aristocratic factions are in constant tension over who should rule. This demonstrates the Athens' struggles prior to its democratic reform. -
507 BCE
Cleisthenes' reforms at Athens
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490 BCE
Battle of Marathon
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480 BCE
Start of Xerxes' Invasion of Greece
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479 BCE
End of Xerxes' Invasion of Greece
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Period: 479 BCE to 323 BCE
Classical Period
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431 BCE
Start of Peloponnesian War fought between Athens and Sparta
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404 BCE
End of Peloponnesian War fought between Athens and Sparta
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371 BCE
Battle of Leuctra
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338 BCE
Battle of Chaeronea
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336 BCE
Start of Reign of Alexander III of Macedon
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333 BCE
Battle of Issus
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323 BCE
End of Reign of Alexander III of Macedon
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Period: 323 BCE to 31 BCE
Hellenistic Period
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301 BCE
Battle of Ipsus
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295 BCE
Construction of the library of Alexandria
The goal was to build a public space for all of Greek literature. Part of a larger research institution of scholars called the Museum. -
280 BCE
Start of Pyrrhus of Epirus' campaigns
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275 BCE
End of Pyrrhus of Epirus' campaigns
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168 BCE
Battle of Pydna
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146 BCE
Creation of Roman province of Macedonia